Edinburgh MELA 2005

Now in its 11th year, the Edinburgh Mela is a vibrant festival for all the family.  Last year, 40,000 people from many different cultures came to Edinburgh's Pilrig Park to celebrate diversity diversity.  Running from 12 noon to 9pm on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September 2005.  

This year's programme showcases a wealth of multicultural music and performers.  During the day, listen to acoustic world jazz, music and poetry in the Chai Serrai tent.

On the Ronak stage there are talented musicians and dancers from all over the UK plus in other areas of the Park there are circus skill workshops run by Te Pooka, an activity zone for kids, over 100 stalls and giant puppets and willow sculptures installed in every corner of the site.

On Saturday and Sunday nights, enjoy South East Asia’s biggest pop sensation Raghav on the main stage and Bhangra pioneers Alaap headline with Bollywood Bhangra musicians B21 as well as and cutting edge tunes from DJ Zeus whose album ‘Unda Da Influence’ was one of the biggest sellers in the UK last year.  Compered by journalist and presenter Sona Karia, the main stage next weekend promises to be a truly mighty mix of international music.

You might also meet characters Jaggy Singh and Roopa Chauhan, from the UK’s only daily Asian radio drama ‘Silver Street’.  Joined by series producer Rishi Shankar and actor Daniel Hewson who plays Gary they will be running workshops for budding new actors and giving an insight into how successful radio dramas like ‘Silver Street’ are made.  ‘Silver Street’ launched last May and is broadcast on the BBC’s Asian Network twice daily with an omnibus edition every Sunday.

Find out more Events in the Main Marquee, which can accommodate up to 1,000, are ticketed and there is a £10 charge for entry to see all performances after 6pm on the main stage.  For tickets call The Mela office on 0131 557 1400.  Entrance to the Festival, and events in all other venues, are free. For full details of this year’s Edinburgh MELA programme and for press passes to all events - please contact Colman Getty PR on 0131 558 8851. The Edinburgh MELA 2005 is funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, the Scottish Arts Council, the National Lottery through the Scottish Arts Council and project-managed by Out of the Blue.